Sleep surface insert system and method thereof

ABSTRACT

A sleep surface insert system and method for positioning under, for example, an infant on a sleep surface. The sleep surface insert system includes an insert and a blower system. The insert includes a top liner and a bottom liner. The top liner and bottom liner define first and a second hollow spaces therebetween. Further, the top liner includes first and second pores such that the first pores extend through the top liner from the first hollow space and the second pores extend through the top liner from the second hollow space. In addition, the blower system is configured to provide air flow into the first and second hollow spaces defined in the insert such that the air flow is configured to flow into the insert and out of at least one of the first pores and the second pores.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/907,781, filed on May 31, 2013, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/654,678,filed Jun. 1, 2012, entitled SLEEP SURFACE INSERT SYSTEM AND METHODTHEREOF, the disclosures of each are incorporated by reference herein intheir entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a sleep system and methodand, more specifically, the present invention relates to a sleep surfacesystem and method for substantially preventing the conditions that leadto Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (“SIDS”).

BACKGROUND

Each year, thousands of infants (aged 2 weeks to 1 year) die from SuddenInfant Death Syndrome (“SIDS”), a disorder in which otherwise healthyinfants seemingly stop breathing. Although scientific and medicalresearch has uncovered factors which indicate a predisposition to thedisorder (e.g., low birth weight, age of mothers), no specific cause hasbeen uncovered. Moreover, there are varied theories put forth by themedical community as to the cause of SIDS. Some theories suggest aneurological disorder in the infants which intercepts the breathingfunctions while sleeping and leads to the infant's death byasphyxiation.

Applicant believes a contributing cause of SIDS is that infants fallvictim to asphyxiation from carbon dioxide re-breathing. Morespecifically, infants sleeping face down re-breathe the carbon dioxidein the exhaled air trapped in the air pocket of their bedding near theirair passages. Doctors, nurses and medical journals have for yearsrecommended placing an infant on its back for sleeping to avoid thisconcern. However, many parents and caregivers are reluctant to followthis advice. Some infants prefer sleeping on their stomachs, and do notadjust to the changed position well. Moreover after 5-6 months, mostinfants can roll themselves over to their preferred sleeping position.Further, many infants have a tendency to regurgitate and parents areconcerned their infant may choke on the regurgitated matter.

Based on the foregoing, it would be advantageous to provide a sleepsurface that will substantially prevent the conditions which can lead tocarbon dioxide poisoning to infants sleeping face down and, thereby,substantially prevent SIDS.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a sleep surface insert system forpositioning under an infant on a sleep surface. In accordance with oneembodiment, the sleep surface insert system includes an insert, ablower, and an actuator. The insert is configured to be placed on thesleep surface. Further, the insert includes a substantially flatconfiguration with a top liner having an exterior surface and a bottomliner. The top liner and bottom liner defines a first hollow space andsecond hollow space therebetween. The top liner includes first multiplepores and a second multiple pores, the first multiple pores extendingbetween the first hollow space and the exterior surface of the top linerand the second multiple pores extending between the second hollow spaceand the exterior surface of the top liner. The blower is configured toprovide air flow into the first hollow space and the second hollow spacedefined in the insert, the air flow configured to flow into the insertand out of at least one of the first multiple pores and the secondmultiple pores. The actuator is configured to alternate inflation of theinsert between the first hollow space and the second hollow spacedefined therein.

In one embodiment, the actuator includes a solenoid. In anotherembodiment, the actuator is configured to actuate with a predeterminedfrequency. In still another embodiment, the actuator comprises a sensor,the actuator being configured to actuate upon sensing a predeterminedpressure. In yet another embodiment, the actuator includes a bladdercontrolled diverter.

In another embodiment, the sleep surface insert system includes asensor, controller and a thermal element configured to control atemperature of the air being blown through the insert. In still anotherembodiment, the sleep surface insert system includes a filter configuredto filter the air being blown through the insert.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a methodof substantially eliminating risk factors which lead to sudden infantdeath syndrome is provided. The method includes positioning an insert ona sleep surface such that the insert includes a top liner and bottomliner that defines a first hollow space and a second hollow spacetherebetween, the top liner including first multiple pores and a secondmultiple pores corresponding with the first and second hollow spaceddefined in the insert, respectively. The method also includes blowingair into the insert and through the first multiple pores and the secondmultiple pores such that the air is directed in an alternating mannerbetween the first hollow space and the second hollow space to inflatethe insert between the first hollow space and the second hollow space ofthe insert.

In another embodiment, the method step of blowing includes inflatingportions of the insert corresponding with the first hollow space and thesecond hollow space to cause movement in a surface of the insert tojostle or rock an infant laying over the surface. In still anotherembodiment, the method step of blowing includes filtering the airflowing into and out of the first and second multiple pores of theinsert for the infant. In another embodiment, the method step of blowingincludes directing the air between the first hollow space and secondhollow space with the actuator. In another embodiment, the directingstep includes alternating air flow between the first hollow space andthe second hollow space by sensing a predetermined air pressure in theinsert. In still another embodiment, the directing step includesdirecting the air between the first hollow space and the second hollowspace with a bladder controlled diverter.

In one embodiment, the method further includes monitoring at least oneof the heart rate and respiration of the infant. In another embodiment,the method further includes controlling a temperature of the blown airfrom at least one of a cooling element and a heating element.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a sleepsurface insert system for positioning under an infant on a sleep surfaceis provided. The sleep surface insert system includes an insert and ablower and, further includes a monitoring system. The insert isconfigured to be placed on the sleep surface and includes asubstantially flat configuration. Further, the insert includes a topliner having an exterior surface and a bottom liner, the top liner andbottom liner defining at least one hollow space therebetween. The topliner defines multiple pores extending between the at least one hollowspace and the exterior surface. The blower is configured to provide airflow into the at least one hollow space defined in the insert. The airflow is configured to flow into the insert and out of the multiplepores. The monitoring system is coupled to the insert and is configuredto monitor at least one of heart rate and respiration of the infant.

In another embodiment, the sleep surface insert system also includes acontroller and a sensor configured to control a temperature of the airbeing blown through the insert. In another embodiment, the sleep surfaceinsert system includes a filter configured to filter the air being blownthrough the insert.

In another embodiment, the monitoring system includes a piezoelectricfilm. In still another embodiment, the monitoring system includes aconductive polymer. In yet another embodiment, the monitoring systemincludes a pressure sensor. In another embodiment, the monitoring systemincludes closely spaced conductors. In another embodiment, themonitoring system includes a surface pressure sensor.

In one embodiment, the at least one hollow space includes a first hollowspace and as second hollow space defined between the top liner and thebottom liner. In another embodiment, the sleep surface insert systemalso includes an actuator positioned between the blower and the insertthat is configured to direct the air flow between the first hollow spaceand the second hollow space in an alternating manner. In still anotherembodiment, the multiple pores include first multiple pores and secondmultiple pores corresponding with the first hollow space and the secondhollow space, respectively.

In another embodiment, the insert is sized and configured to correspondwith a bed mattress. In another embodiment, the insert is sized andconfigured to correspond with a head pillow.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, an airflow insert system for positioning under an infant on a sleep surface isprovided. The sleep surface insert system includes an insert and ablower. The insert is configured to be positioned over the sleep surfacesuch that the insert includes a first portion and a second portioncoupled together. The first portion is configured to extend generallyhorizontally over the sleep surface. The second portion extendsgenerally transverse relative to the first portion from a periphery ofthe first portion such that the second portion is configured to extendupward from the first portion to provide a wall extending around theperiphery of the first portion. The first portion includes a top linerand a bottom liner such that the top liner includes first portionapertures defined therein. The second portion includes an inner linerand an outer liner such that the inner liner includes second portionapertures defined therein. The insert includes at least one chamberdefined within the first portion and the second portion such that thefirst portion apertures and the second portion apertures correspond withthe at least one chamber defined in the first portion and the secondportion of the insert. The blower is configured to provide air flow intothe at least one chamber defined in the insert. The air flow isconfigured to flow into the insert and out of the first portionapertures and the second portion apertures so as to provide air flowfrom the first portion apertures in a generally vertical direction andto provide air flow from the second portion apertures in a generallyhorizontal direction to flow above the first portion.

In one embodiment, the insert includes a first chamber and a secondchamber defined therein such that the first and second chambers receivethe air flow in an alternating manner. In another embodiment, the airflow insert system further includes an actuator configured to alternateinflation of the insert between the first and second chambers. In stillanother embodiment, the insert includes a single chamber configured toreceive air and provide air flow through the first and second portionapertures. In yet another embodiment, the air flow insert system furtherincludes a sensor, a controller and a thermal element configured tocontrol a temperature of the air flow moving into the insert. In anotherembodiment, the air flow insert system further includes a filterconfigured to filter the air flow moving into the insert.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, an airflow insert system for positioning over or adjacent a sleep surface ofan infant is provided. The sleep surface insert system includes aninsert and a blower. The insert is configured to at least partiallysurround the sleep surface of an infant. The insert includes anelongated dimension and a height dimension such that the elongateddimension is configured to extend along the sleep surface and the heightdimension is configured to extend upward from the sleep surface. Theinsert includes an inner liner and an outer liner. The inner liner andthe outer liner is configured to extend generally vertically between abottom end and a top end of the insert to define the height dimension.The inner liner and the outer liner defines at least one chambertherebetween and the inner liner defines multiple apertures extendingtherethrough. The blower is configured to provide air flow into the atleast one chamber defined in the insert. The air flow is configured toflow into the insert and out of the insert from the multiple aperturesdefined in the generally vertically extending inner liner so that theair flow from the apertures flows in a generally horizontal direction.

In one embodiment, the air flow insert system further includes a sensor,a controller and a thermal element configured to control a temperatureof the air flow moving into the insert. Also, in another embodiment, theair flow insert system further includes a filter configured to filterthe air flow moving into the insert.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will become apparentupon reading the following detailed description and upon reference tothe drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a partial schematic view of a sleep surface insert system,depicting an insert and a blower system, according to an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 1A is an enlarged view of region A of the insert of FIG. 1,according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the insert taken along section B ofFIG. 1, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the insert taken along section C ofFIG. 2, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is another embodiment of a sleep surface insert system, accordingto another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a sleep surfaceinsert system, depicting an insert having horizontal portion andvertical portion thereof, according to the present invention;

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the insert taken along section 5Aof FIG. 5, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of region 5B of the insert of FIG. 5,according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5C is an enlarged view of another embodiment of region 5B of theinsert of FIG. 5, according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the sleepsurface insert system of FIG. 5, depicting a removable pad liner to bepositioned in the insert, according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an air flow insertsystem, depicting an insert including a vertical portion, according tothe present invention;

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the insert taken along section 7Aof FIG. 7, according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7B is an enlarged view of region 7B of the insert of FIG. 7,according to another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a sleep surface insert system 10 configured to, forexample, substantially eliminate the conditions leading to SIDS isprovided. As will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, theinsert system may be employed for other purposes, as set forth herein inthe various embodiments. In one embodiment, such a sleep surface insertsystem 10 may provide oxygen to an infant (not shown) positioned over aportion of the system 10 while also jostling or slightly rocking theinfant lying thereon. In another embodiment, the sleep surface insertsystem 10 may monitor the heart rate and/or respiration of the infantwhile providing oxygen to an infant positioned over a portion of thesystem 10. For example, the sleep surface insert system 10 may includean insert 12 and a blower system 14 with a conduit 16 extendingtherebetween. The blower system 14 may be configured to direct air flowthrough the conduit 16 and into the insert 12 to inflate portions of theinsert 12, in an alternating manner, to slightly rock or jostle aninfant positioned over the insert 12 while also flowing oxygen throughmultiple pores 18 in the insert, thereby, ensuring ample oxygen ispresent for the infant. In this manner, such movement of the infant mayensure the elimination of potential air pockets of carbon dioxideforming while also providing oxygen through the multiple pores 18.Further, the insert 12 may be a substantially flat configuration suchthat it may be positioned over a mattress (not shown) or other suitablesleeping surface. Further, the insert 12 may include a comfort liner(not shown) that may be slipped over the insert 12 as well as removed towash when necessary.

The blower system 14 may include a blower 20 configured to blow air, asindicated by arrow 22, into the insert 12 via the conduit 16. Further,the blower system 14 may include an air intake 24, a filter 26, athermal element 28, one or more sensors 30, a controller 32, a display34, and a manual control 36. The blower 20 may pull air from the airintake 24 toward the blower 20 and then push the air through the conduit16 and into the insert 12. In addition, the filter 26 may be providedbetween the conduit 16 and the air intake 24 and, more particularly, thefilter 26 may be positioned between the air intake 24 and the blower 20.The thermal element 28 may also be positioned between the air intake 24and the conduit 16. The controller 32 may be coupled to the one or moresensors 30 and the thermal element 28 and, further, the manual control36. Also, the controller 32 may be coupled to the display 34. The one ormore sensors 30 may be positioned along an air flow path to sense airtemperature and/or air pressure.

In one embodiment, air temperature of the sleep surface insert system 10may be controlled. For example, the air temperature may be controlled bymanually setting a desired temperature for an infant via the manualcontrol 36. The one or more sensors 30 may sense the actual temperatureof the air and then relay the actual temperature to the controller 32.The controller 32 may then control the thermal element 28, positioned inan air flow path, to modify the air temperature from the actual airtemperature to the desired air temperature.

In one embodiment, the thermal element 28 may be positioned in the airflow path between the air intake 24 and the blower 20. In anotherembodiment, the thermal element 28 may be positioned in the air flowpath between the blower 20 and the conduit 16 or, otherwise said, anexternal portion of the conduit 16. In one embodiment, the thermalelement 28 may include a heating element 38. In another embodiment, thethermal element 28 may include a cooling element 40. In still anotherembodiment, the thermal element 28 may include both a heating element 38and a cooling element 40. Such a heating element 38 and cooling element40 may be directly coupled adjacent to each other or separate from eachother. The heating element 38 may be a coil or the like or any othersuitable heating element known in the art, such as a peltier elementemployed as a heating element. The cooling element 40 may be a peltierelement or any other suitable cooling element known in the art.

With respect to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the insert 12 may include a top liner42 and a bottom liner 44 with one or more hollow spaces definedtherebetween. In one embodiment, a single hollow space (not shown) maybe defined between the top liner 42 and the bottom liner 44. In anotherembodiment, the insert 12 may include a lateral wall 42 extendingtransverse or substantially orthogonal between and relative to the topliner 42 and the bottom liner 44. Such lateral wall 46 may separate anddefine a first hollow space 48 and a second hollow space 50 between thetop liner 42 and the bottom liner 44. In another embodiment, the lateralwall 46 may define multiple hollow spaces between the top liner 42 andthe bottom liner 44, for example, three or more hollow spaces.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 1A, and 3, the top liner 42 may include anouter surface 52, or exterior surface, and an inner surface 54 with aperiphery defining an edge 56 of the top liner 42. The bottom liner 44may include a bottom surface 58 and an inner surface 60 defined by abottom liner periphery 62. The top liner 42 may be sized and configuredto substantially correspond with dimensions of the bottom liner 44 suchthat their respective peripheries may be coupled together or, rather,the portion adjacent their respective peripheries may be coupledtogether.

Further, the top liner 42 may include multiple pores 18 extendingbetween the outer surface 52 and the inner surface 54 configured tofacilitate air flow therethrough. Such multiple pores 18 may be in theform of holes, as depicted in FIG. 1A, formed through the top liner 42extending between the first and second hollow spaced 48, 50 and theouter surface 52 of the top liner 42. The multiple pores 18 may includefirst multiple pores 18 a and second multiple pores 18 b that may bedistinguished by corresponding with the respective first and secondhollow spaces 48, 50 defined in the insert 12.

The multiple pores 18 may be in the form of an array such that themultiple pores 18 may be sized, positioned and/or spaced in apredetermined manner. In this embodiment, the top liner 42 may include apolymeric material in a sheet like form. In another embodiment, themultiple pores 18 may be randomly sized, positioned and/or spaced. Inthis embodiment, the top liner 42 may be formed from a weaved materialor the like such that the multiple pores 18 are inherent to the gaps orspaces formed in the weaved material. Such a top liner 42 may be formedfrom a synthetic material, such as a polymeric material, or the topliner may be formed from a natural material, such as a cotton, orvarious combinations or blends thereof or any other suitable materialthat is safe and provides multiple pores 18 so as to facilitate airthrough the multiple pores 18, as known by one of ordinary skill in theart. The bottom liner 44 may be formed of a solid sheet like material,without pores, so as not to facilitate air to flow therethrough. Inanother embodiment, the bottom liner 44 may be formed to include pores,similar to the top liner 42. Further, in one embodiment, the top liner42 and the bottom liner 44 may be coupled together via heat pressing,sewing or any other known or suitable method of coupling. In anotherembodiment, the top liner 42 and the bottom liner 44 may be formed of acontinuous, unitary, and/or seamless material.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the conduit 16 may be coupled betweenthe blower 20 or blower system 14 and the insert 12. Further, theconduit 16 may branch from a single flow path 63 to a first flow path 64and a second flow path 66, the first flow 64 path configured tocorrespond with the first hollow space 48 and the second flow path 66 tocorrespond with the second hollow space 50 defined in the insert 12.Further, the conduit 16 may include an actuator 68 coupled thereto. Theactuator 68 may be sized and configured to alternate air flow in theconduit 16 between the first flow path 64 and the second flow path 66,thereby, alternating air flow between the first hollow space 48 and thesecond hollow space 50 defined in the insert 12. With this arrangement,the actuator 68 alternates air flow between the first hollow space 48and the second hollow space 50 defined in the insert 12, thereby,facilitating movement of the insert 12 so that an infant lying over theinsert 12 may continuously be rocked or lightly jostled to, for example,gently stimulate the infant's nervous system to encourage properfunction and reaction to diminished oxygen or, rather, excessive carbondioxide. In addition, air flowing through the multiple pores 18 furtherensures ample oxygen for the infant that may be lying face down on asleep surface.

The actuator 68 may be a timed actuator in the form of a solenoid 69.For example, the actuator 68 may actuate at a frequency. Such afrequency may be manually modified to control the cycle by which airflow is directed into the first and second hollow spaces 48, 50 foralternately inflating different portions of the insert 12. The actuator68 may also include a pressure sensor 70 that may be configured toactuate upon sensing a predetermined air pressure within the first flowpath 64 and the second flow path 66 and, thus, the air pressure withinthe respective first and second hollow spaces 48, 50 defined in theinsert 12. In another embodiment, the actuator 68 may be a bladdercontrolled diverter (not shown). Such a bladder controlled diverter maybe sized and configured to inherently and mechanically actuate between afirst position and a second position upon the respective first hollowspace 48 and the second hollow space 50 of the insert 12 or bladderinflating to a predetermined air pressure. In other words, the bladdercontrolled diverter may automatically actuate between the first andsecond positions upon portions of the bladder, i.e., first and secondhollow spaces 48, 50 in the insert, reaching predetermined inflationlevels.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 3, in another embodiment, as previously setforth, the sleep surface insert system 10 may monitor variousphysiological parameters of the infant (or person), such as, the heartrate and/or respiration of an infant while also providing oxygen to theinfant positioned over the insert 12 of the system 10. Otherphysiological parameters may include movement, moisture, such as bedwetting, and a temperature of the infant. Such monitoring may beemployed with one or more sensors, such as, a pressure sensor,conductive polymer (resistance inflections), closely separatedconductors, i.e., capacitance/resistance inflections. For example, theinsert 12 may include a sensor in the form of a piezoelectric film 72.Such film may include lines or wires 74 extending from the insert 12along the conduit 16 to be coupled to, for example, the controller,which may then provide information at the display 34. The piezoelectricfilm 72 may be configured to sense slight force, movement, thermal,and/or pressure changes to facilitate monitoring an infant's heart rateand respiration. The controller 32 may also be configured to provide analarm (not shown) if significant changes in the heart rate andrespiration are sensed to ensure potential issues with an infant arealleviated. Such alarm may be set-off from, for example, the systemitself or transmitted remotely to a location of the infant's parents.

Now referring to FIG. 4, a sleep surface insert system 110 of anotherembodiment is provided. This system is similar in many respects to theprevious embodiment of FIG. 1, however, the sleep surface insert system110 of this embodiment may not include an actuator to alternate air flowbetween two hollow spaces defined in an insert. Rather, in thisembodiment, one primary function of the sleep surface insert system 110may be configured to control temperature of air being blown throughpores (not shown) defined in the top liner of the insert 112.

For example, the sleep surface insert system 110 may include an insert112 and a blower system 113 with conduit 116 extending therebetween. Theblower system 113 may include an air intake 115 and filter 117, as setforth in the previous embodiment. In one embodiment, the insert 112 mayinclude a first hollow space 118 and a second hollow space 120 definedin the insert 112 between a top liner and a bottom liner (not shown).Each hollow space defined in the insert 112 may include its own conduitextending from the insert to the blower system, namely, a first conduit122 and a second conduit 124. The first and second conduits 122, 124 maybe in the form of a single elongated flexible member, but includerespective first and second lumens to channel air flow to the respectivefirst and second hollow spaces 118, 120 defined in the insert 112. Theblower system 113 may include a single blower 114 or two blowersdedicated to the respective first and second conduits 122, 124. Further,each air flow path for the first and second conduits 122, 124 mayinclude a first thermal element 126 and a second thermal element 128,respectively. Each thermal element may each include a cooling elementand a heating element. The blower system 113 may also include the othercomponents necessary to control a temperature of the air being blowntoward the insert 112. For example, the blower system 113 may include afirst sensor 130 and a second sensor 132 configured to sense the actualtemperature being blown and a controller 134 coupled to the first andsecond thermal elements 126, 128 to modify the actual temperature to adesired temperature as manually set via a first and second manualcontrol 136, 138. With this arrangement, the sleep surface insert system110 may be configured to control the temperature over two sleep surfaceportions of the insert 112 such that the defined first and second hollowspaces 118, 120 correspond with sleep surface portions typical for twopersons lying next to each other. Such a system 110 may be desirable forcouples who desire different temperatures for their respective sleepportions. Further, the insert 112 may be sized and configured for singleperson users such that the insert 112 may include a single hollow spacewith a corresponding single thermal element and sensor in the blowersystem.

In one embodiment, the insert 112 may be sized and configured to bepositioned over a pillow or within a pillow cover. In anotherembodiment, the insert 112 may be sized and configured to act as apillow itself while employing one or various combinations of thefunctions described herein with the sleep surface insert system 110,such as monitoring temperature and temperature control, air filtering,inflation of one hollow space defined in an insert, and alternating (orsequencing) inflation of two or more hollow spaced defined within aninsert. In still another embodiment, by employing various functionsdescribed herein, the sleep surface insert system 10, 110 may beemployed to monitor not only infants, but to monitor sleep disorders,such as sleep apnea or any other suitable sleep disorder. In anotherembodiment, the insert 10 described in FIG. 1 may be sized to act withor as a pillow and include a single chamber (or multiple chambers)defined in the insert. Such insert of this embodiment may includevarious controls and/or sensors to assist in monitoring, for example,sleep apnea, asthma, or a temperature of the person laying on the pillowwith the insert, and utilize one or more of the functions describedherein, such as filtering the air flowing into the insert andcontrolling the temperature of the air.

Now referring to FIG. 5, another embodiment of a sleep surface insertsystem 200 is provided. In this embodiment, the sleep surface insertsystem 200 may be similar to the embodiment described in FIGS. 1 through3, but may also include transversely or vertically extending side walls,as depicted, that provide a wall or barrier to the sleep surface insertsystem 200. The sleep surface insert system 200 may be sized andconfigured to be positioned over a crib-sized mattress (not shown) orpositioned over any sleep surface so as to provide air flow throughapertures 202 or pores, similar to that previously described. Thevertical side walls also provide cushioning and a barrier for a baby'shead and body from the rigid bars or walls of, for example, an infant'scrib.

With respect to FIGS. 5, 5A, and 5B, the sleep surface insert system mayinclude an insert 204, a blower system 14 (FIG. 1), and conduit 206extending between the insert 204 and the blower system 14. The insert204 may include a first portion or horizontal portion 208 and a secondportion or vertical portion 210, the vertical portion 210 extendingtransverse or upward from a periphery of the horizontal portion 208 soas to provide the wall or barrier. It is noted that the vertical portion210 is not necessarily precisely vertical relative to a horizontalplane, but rather, may include a vertical component that is transverserelative to the horizontal portion of the insert 204 to provide the wallor barrier.

In one embodiment, for example, the horizontal portion 208 may berectangular and substantially flat such that the vertical portion 210may include first and second facing vertical sides 212, 214 and thirdand fourth facing vertical sides 216, 218, each of which may extendupward and transverse relative to the horizontal portion 208. In oneembodiment, the various sides of the vertical portion 210 may extendgenerally or substantially vertical relative to the horizontal portion208 with the transition from the horizontal portion 208 to the verticalportion 210 being arcuate. The first vertical side 212 may be contiguouswith the third and fourth vertical sides 216, 218. Likewise, the secondvertical side 214 may be contiguous with the third and fourth verticalsides 216, 218. The periphery of the horizontal portion 208 of theinsert 204 may include other shapes, such as oval or any other suitableshape, such that the vertical portion extends upward from the peripheryof the horizontal portion to provide the wall or barrier for an infant.

The horizontal portion 208 may include a top liner 220 and a bottomliner 222 that define first and second hollow spaces 224, 226 orchambers therebetween, similar to the insert 12 depicted in FIGS. 1through 3, but the first and second hollow spaces 224, 226 may continueinto the vertical portion 210 of the insert 204. The vertical portion210 may include an inner liner 228 and an outer liner 230 also definingthe first and second hollow spaces 224, 226 or chambers. The inner liner228 may be contiguous with the top liner 220. Likewise, the bottom liner222 may be contiguous with the outer liner 230 of the insert.

The top liner 220 of the horizontal portion 208 and the inner liner 228of the vertical portion 210 may include apertures 202 defined therein.For example, the apertures 202 defined in the top liner 220 and theinner liner 228 may each include first apertures 202 a and secondapertures 202 b, the first apertures 202 a corresponding with the firsthollow space 224 and the second apertures 202 b corresponding with thesecond hollow space 226. Similar to the horizontal portion 208, each ofthe vertical sides of the vertical portion 210 may each include one ofthe first and second hollow spaces 224, 226, or both. Further, the firstand second hollow spaces 224, 226 may be separated by one or moreimpermeable lateral connections 240. Such lateral connections 240 assistin maintaining the top and bottom liners 220, 222 of the horizontalportion 208 in a generally parallel configuration. Likewise, the lateralconnections 240 assist in maintaining the inner liner 228 generallyparallel relative to the outer liner 230 of the vertical portion 210.Further, the lateral connections 240 may serve to separate the first andsecond hollow spaces 224, 226 in a discrete and distinct manner.

The blower system 14 (FIG. 1) may provide air pressure or air flow 236into each of the first and second hollow spaces 224, 226 such that airflow 236 moves outward from the apertures 202 associated with each ofthe first and second hollow spaces 224, 226. As depicted in FIG. 5B, theair flow 236 moves generally in a horizontal direction (as depicted withhorizontal direction arrows) from the vertical portion 210 of the insert204 and generally in a vertical direction (as depicted with verticaldirection arrows) from the horizontal portion 208 of the insert 204. Itis noted that the vertical portion 210 may not extend precisely verticalrelative to the horizontal portion 208, but rather, may extend upwardand transverse relative to the horizontal portion 208 so as to provide awall or barrier. As such, the apertures 202 in the vertical portion 210may provide air flow in a general horizontal direction such that the airflow 236 flowing from the vertical portion 210 flows transverse relativethe air flow 236 flowing from the horizontal portion 208. In thismanner, the vertical portion 210 provides the wall or barrier and,further provides, air flow 236 from the vertical portion 210 that flowstransverse relative to the air flow 236 from the horizontal portion 208,but not necessarily air flow that is precisely perpendicular relative toeach other.

Further, the blower system 14 may provide air flow 236 in an alternatingmanner via an actuator 68 (FIG. 1) between the two chambers or first andsecond hollow spaces 224, 226 defined in the insert 204 so as to rock orjostle an infant on the insert 204 as well as provide substantiallycontinuous air flow 236 to the infant regardless of the position of theinfant on the insert 204. In addition, in the event an infant's facebecomes positioned against a vertical portion 210 of the insert 204, theinfant is provided additional air flow 236 through the apertures 202defined in the inner liner 228 of the vertical portion 210 as well asthe vertical portion 210 serving as a soft pad for the infant's head orbody.

As in the previous embodiment (depicted in FIGS. 1 through 3), theblower system 14 and conduit 206 of this embodiment may include pressureand heart rate sensors as well as a temperature control to manage theair flow temperature for the infant. The conduit may also include, forexample, two air flow channels (as depicted by broken line 238) forblowing air therethrough as well as an actuator for alternating air flowbetween the two air flow channels that funnel air into the first andsecond hollow spaces 224, 226, as well as any of the other structuraland functional components described and depicted in FIGS. 1 through 3.Further, the insert 204, including the horizontal and vertical portions208, 210, may be formed of a similar material as that described in theembodiment described in FIG. 1, or any other suitable materials as knownto one of ordinary skill in the art.

In another embodiment, the conduit 206 may be optional such that theblower system 14 is directly coupled to the insert. The embodiment withan optional conduit may be implemented in any of the embodimentsdescribed herein, as known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

As depicted in FIG. 5C, another embodiment of a sleep surface insertsystem 201 is provided. This embodiment is substantially similar to thatdescribed and depicted in FIGS. 5 and 5A, except in this embodiment theinsert 205 may include a single air-flow chamber 207 defined therein.The insert may include lateral connections 209 extending between the topliner 211 and the bottom liner 213 of the horizontal portion 215 as wellas the inner liner 217 and the outer liner 219 of the vertical portion221. Such lateral connections 209 may also extend between the liners todefine channels of the single chamber 207. As in the previousembodiment, the inner liner 217 of the vertical portion 221 may defineapertures 223 as well as the top liner 211 of the horizontal portion 215may define apertures 223. In this embodiment, each of the apertures 223communicate or are associated with the single chamber 207 to facilitateair flow from the blower system 14 (FIG. 1) such that apertures 223 inthe horizontal portion 215 provide air flow upward in a general verticaldirection, as depicted by arrows 225, and the apertures 223 defined inthe vertical portion 221 of the insert may provide air flow in a generalhorizontal direction, as depicted by arrows 227.

The blower system 14 of this embodiment may be similar to that describedand depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, including the structural and functionalcomponents described therewith. Further, since the insert 205 of thisembodiment has a single chamber, any conduit employed may only define asingle channel therein and the sleep surface insert system 201 may notrequire an actuator, as in other embodiments described herein.

With respect to FIG. 6, another embodiment of the sleep surface insertsystem 200 is provided. In this embodiment, the insert 204 may besimilar to that provided in the previous embodiment, but the system 200may include a removable pad liner 250 for positioning and resting overthe horizontal portion 208 and within the walls of the vertical portion210 of the insert 204. The pad liner 250 may include a cushion portion252 and an outer liner 254. The cushion portion 252 may be a foammaterial, such as an open cell foam or reticulated foam or similarmaterial that facilitates air flow therethrough. The outer liner 254 maybe a fabric or the like, such as a knitted or weaved material, that alsoreadily facilitates air flow therethrough. The outer liner 254 may becoupled to an upper surface of the cushion portion 252 or be positionedaround the cushion portion 252 in a sleeve-like manner. Such pad liner250 may be removed from the insert 204 for purposes of cleaning suchthat the whole pad liner 250 may be washed or the outer liner 254 may beremoved from the cushion portion 252 for cleaning the outer liner 254separate from the cushion portion 252. With this arrangement, the padliner 250 may be made of a material that provides additional comfort toan infant and also allows the flow of air from the insert 204 andthrough the pad liner 250 while also being removable for long termsanitary purposes.

With reference to FIGS. 7, 7A, and 7B, another embodiment of an air flowsystem 260 is provided. The air flow system 260 is similar to theembodiment described and depicted in FIG. 5, except the air flow system260 may not include air chambers defined and extending along ahorizontal portion, but rather, includes air chambers defined andextending in a vertical portion 262 as the insert. The vertical portion262 of the air flow system 260 of this embodiment may be sized andconfigured to act as a bumper pad in, for example, an infant's crib. Theair flow system 260 may include the vertical portion 262, a blowersystem 14 (FIG. 1), and a conduit 264, the conduit 264 extending betweenthe vertical portion 262 and the blower system 14. Such a blower system14 and conduit 264 may include all or some of the structural andfunctional components described relative to the embodiment of FIG. 1.

The vertical portion 262 may include first and second facing verticalportions 266, 268 and third and fourth facing vertical portions 270,272, each of which may border an interior side portion of an infant'scrib (not shown). For example, each of the first, second, third andfourth vertical portions 266, 268, 270, 272 may be elongated to extendalong one of the interior side portions of the crib as well as eachextend with a vertical component to provide padding for an infant withinthe crib in the event, for example, the baby rolls over against one ofthe vertical portions. Each vertical portion may include an inner liner274 and an outer liner 276 with one or more chambers or hollow spaces278 defined therebetween.

The inner liner 274 may include perforations or apertures 280 and theouter liner 276 may be impermeable. Further, the inner liner 274 andouter liner 276 may be coupled together along a top end 282 and a bottomend 284 as well as include lateral connections 286 at various pointsbetween the top and bottom ends 282, 284 so that each vertical portionmaintains a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape. As in previousembodiments, the inner liner 274 and the outer liner 276 may be formedof a polymeric material, or fabric, or a combination thereof. Thelateral connections 286 and coupling along the top and bottom ends 282,284 may be employed by thermal bonding or sewing or any other suitablemeans of coupling. With this arrangement, air flow 288 may be providedvia the conduit 264 to the one or more hollow spaces 278 or chambers soas to provide air flow 288 from a vertically extending wall or innerliner 274 and through the apertures 280 such that the air flow 288 exitsthe vertically extending wall or inner liner 274 in a generallyhorizontal direction, as depicted with arrows in FIG. 7B. In thismanner, the vertical portions 262 provide padding for an infant as wellas provide air flow 288 to an infant if the infant's face moves againstthe vertical portion 262 of the air flow system 260.

The conduit 264 may include one or two flow paths depending on thenumber of chambers defined in the vertical portion of the air flowsystem 260. For example, in the case of a single chamber or hollow spacedefined in the vertical portion 262, the conduit 264 may include asingle flow path through which air may be blown by the blower system 14(FIG. 1). As in previous embodiments, in the case of two chambers orhollow spaces defined in the vertical portion 262, the conduit 264 mayinclude two flow paths for funneling air to the two chambers and alsomay include the actuator to alternate inflation of the chambers.

While the invention may be susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way ofexample in the drawings and have been described in detail herein.Further, the structural features of any one embodiment disclosed hereinmay be combined or replaced by any one of the structural features ofanother embodiment set forth herein. As such, it should be understoodthat the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular formsdisclosed. Rather, the invention includes all modifications,equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined by the following appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sleep surface insert system for positioningunder a person on a sleep surface, the sleep surface insert systemcomprising: a removable insert configured to be removably positionedover the sleep surface, the removable insert having a substantially flatconfiguration with a top liner having an exterior surface and a bottomliner, the top liner and bottom liner defining at least one hollow spacetherebetween, the top liner defining multiple pores extending betweenthe at least one hollow space and the exterior surface; a blowerconfigured to provide air flow into the at least one hollow spacedefined in the removable insert, the air flow configured to continuouslyflow into the removable insert and out of the multiple pores; and asensor, a controller and a thermal element each operatively coupled tothe blower and configured to control a temperature of the air beingblown through the removable insert.
 2. The sleep surface insert systemof claim 1, further comprising a monitoring system coupled to theremovable insert and configured to monitor at least one of heart rateand respiration of the person.
 3. The sleep surface insert system ofclaim 1, further comprising a monitoring system coupled to the removableinsert and configured to monitor physiological parameters of the person.4. The sleep surface insert system of claim 1, further comprising afilter configured to filter the air being blown through the removableinsert.
 5. The sleep surface insert system of claim 2, wherein themonitoring system comprises at least one of a piezoelectric member, aconductive polymer, a pressure sensor, and spaced conductors.
 6. Thesleep surface insert system of claim 1, wherein the at least one hollowspace comprises a first hollow space and a second hollow space definedbetween the top liner and the bottom liner.
 7. The sleep surface insertsystem of claim 6, further comprising an actuator positioned between theblower and the removable insert configured to direct the air flowbetween the first hollow space and the second hollow space in analternating manner.
 8. The sleep surface insert system of claim 7,wherein the multiple pores comprises first multiple pores and secondmultiple pores corresponding with the first hollow space and the secondhollow space, respectively.
 9. The sleep surface insert system of claim1, wherein the removable insert is sized and configured to be positionedover a bed mattress.
 10. The sleep surface insert system of claim 1,wherein the removable insert is sized and configured to be associatedwith a head pillow.
 11. An air flow insert system for positioning overor adjacent a sleep surface of an infant, the air flow insert systemcomprising: a removable insert configured to at least partially surrounda periphery of the sleep surface of an infant and be removable from thesleep surface, the removable insert including an elongated dimension anda height dimension such that the elongated dimension is configured toextend along the sleep surface and the height dimension is configured toextend upward from and above the sleep surface, the removable inserthaving an inner liner and an outer liner, the inner liner and the outerliner configured to extend upward between a bottom end and a top end ofthe removable insert to define the height dimension, the inner liner andthe outer liner defining at least one chamber therebetween and the innerliner defining multiple apertures extending therethrough; and a blowerconfigured to provide air flow into the at least one chamber defined inthe removable insert, the air flow configured to flow into the removableinsert and out of the removable insert from the multiple aperturesdefined in the upwardly extending inner liner so that the air flow fromthe apertures flows in a generally horizontal direction.
 12. The airflow insert system of claim 11, further comprising a sensor, acontroller and a thermal element configured to control a temperature ofthe air flow moving into the removable insert.
 13. The air flow insertsystem of claim 11, further comprising a filter configured to filter theair flow moving into the removable insert.
 14. The air flow insertsystem of claim 11, further comprising a monitoring system coupled tothe removable insert and configured to monitor at least one of heartrate and respiration of the infant.
 15. The air flow insert system ofclaim 14, wherein the monitoring system comprises at least one of apiezoelectric member, a conductive polymer, a pressure sensor, andspaced conductors.
 16. The air flow insert system of claim 11, furthercomprising a monitoring system coupled to the removable insert andconfigured to monitor physiological parameters of the infant.
 17. Theair flow insert system of claim 11, wherein the at least one chambercomprises a first chamber and a second chamber defined between the innerliner and the outer liner.
 18. The air flow insert system of claim 17,further comprising an actuator positioned between the blower and theremovable insert configured to direct the air flow between the firstchamber and the second chamber in an alternating manner.